The Power of Language in Shakespeares Othello Essay examples -- GCSE

The Power of Language in Othello In Othello, Shakespeare explores the relationship between course and events. Spoken thought, in the play, has all the power of action speaking ab erupt an event result make that event become reality for those who hear - it will affect reality as if that event had taken place. Shakespeare demonstrates the power of words poignantly through Othellos monologues. Othello struggles with the reality that Iago creates for him. When Othello speaks, he reveals that he is unable to stop himself from carrying out acts that Iagos and his own words have prophesied and initiated. Othellos monologues further demonstrate that even the knowledge of the power of words cannot protect the characters from the consequences which the words demand. Speaking about an event is presage in Othello, but it is more than just an objective foretelling of the future. Words become the all powerful initiators of action, once mouth they cannot be counter-acted , they alone get a line the course of the future. Othellos monologue before he murders Desdemona is an excellent passage to study Shakespeares thesis of how words relate to action. 7 Put out the light, and then range out the light8 If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,9 I can again thy former light restore10 Should I repent me. But once put out thy light,11 Thou cunningst pattern of excelling nature,12 I know not where is that Promethean heat 13 That can thy former light relume when I have plucked the14 rose15 I cannot give it vital growth again,16 It unavoidably must wither. (Othello, 5.2.7-... ...d the destinies of others. Shakespeares language in all of his writing is incredibly forceful, but in Othello he makes a statement about the powerful impact the spoken word has on reality. It is a message of responsibility and warning, Othello is a tragedy of powerful words spoken wantonly. Works Cited and Consulted Campbell, Lily B. Shakespeares Tragic Heroes. New York Barnes and Noble, Inc., 1970. Di Yanni, Robert. constituent Revealed Through Dialogue. Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego Greenhaven Press, 1996. Reprint from Literature. N. p. Random House, 1986. Muir, Kenneth. Introduction. William Shakespeare Othello. New York Penguin Books, 1968. Shakespeare, William. Othello. In The Electric Shakespeare. Princeton University. 1996. http//www.eiu.edu/multilit/studyabroad/othello/othello_all.html No line nos.